Page 40 of Killian

“I hope so,” she murmurs. “I was worried, you know?”

“About?” I turn, giving her my attention.

“How much would they remember about their birth parents? Would they adjust to living with us? We didn’t know if Francesca was potty trained, or if they even slept through the night. Were there any health issues they had never shared with the family? Hell, allergies. The usual.” She shrugs. “But we figured it out. Thankfully their parents had them seen by the family doctor, so most of our health worries were easily answered. The rest has been trial and error.”

“Well, as far as I’m concerned, you two seem to be killing it.” I smile.

“I appreciate it.” She pauses, changing the subject. “So how is Italy? I’ve never been.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Well then, it looks like we need to convince Gio to take you guys. It’s not like there isn’t a place to stay.” I laugh. I tell her all about our family, the land, and the village. How we’re a close drive to the sea if you want to get away. Before I know it, hours have passed and Gio walks through the door.

“Hey.” Izzy lights up as he walks into the room.

She moves to stand up, but he rests a hand on her shoulder, sinking down onto the floor next to her. Leaning over, Gio kisses her softly. “How was your daycuore mio?”

“It was perfect.”

“Good,” he says, kissing her one more time before turning to me. “And how are you,uccellino? Staying out of trouble?”

“Trouble?” I scoff. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Sofia says she has a thing for the Irishman,” Izzy says, leaning into Gio.

“Excuse me? What does that mean?” Gio’s eyes meet mine, suspicion clear in his.

“Nothing. They are crazy,” I lie, trying to maintain the blank mask I have.

The more time I spend with my family and Killian, the harder it has become to maintain.

Thankfully, Francesca walks over, sitting in Gio’s lap, making him smile and forget the current line of questioning.

“How’s my favoriteuccellino?” he asks my niece.

“Good.” She smiles.

“Oh, so there’s a new little bird around here, huh?” I tease him.

“Well, since you don’t call. You don’t write,” he quips, making us laugh.

I hear my phone vibrate in my bag.

“One second,” I tell them, getting up. I grab my bag and check my phone, seeing a cyber hit alert on a person I’ve been watching. Slowly I put my phone back into my bag, trying to act calm even though my heart is pounding with anticipation. “And on that note, I need to get out of here.” I turn, smiling at everyone.

“Leaving so soon?” Gio frowns.

“Yeah, I forgot there was something I have to do before it gets too late. You know how it is.” I shrug.

“Thank you for coming by,” Izzy says, standing. She walks over and gives me a hug. “Next time you’ll have to stay for dinner.”

“Of course.” I smile.

I give both Francesca and Marcello hugs and kisses.

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Gio says, standing from his spot. He hands Francesca over to Izzy.

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